The start of the design process is always an idea, followed by a sketch. Be it on a sketchpad or on the screen – ideas that had previously only existed in the designer's mind become visible.

From the multitude of created sketches, the best and most promising are selected to be implemented on the basis of geometric specifications so that proportions, dimensions and graphics add up to a coherent picture.

The road to the first prototype.

The road to the first prototype.

To be able to assess the actual three-dimensional effect, selected designs are created as 1:4 clay models that are accurate in every detail and as data-based virtual models, which are visualised with the help of the 'Powerwall' – a huge projection screen that lets the designers examine and analyse their designs from different perspectives.

It is possible to imagine the car in the right dimension and change the geometry, colour, texture and other things with one click. Both methods have their advantages, but the virtual world is yet unable to replace the modelling to scale.

After the team has made the final decision in favour of one variant, the first full-scale prototype is created with the help of scanning and milling machines. All details are created by hand. The result is a deceptively real model, which visualises all characteristic features of the new vehicle.

The interior emerges.

The interior emerges.

The interior is also designed as a sketch or rendering at first. A 1:1 clay model enables the designers to experience the development of the shape three-dimensionally and develop it from the inside out, so to speak, until an aesthetically sophisticated sense of space has been created. The designers always build several interiors to decide which concept will be pursued further.

The 'Color & Trim' designers select materials and colours for the surface finishes from hundreds of fabric, leather, wood, and metal samples. The effect of the touch and feel and the colours are compiled and defined in 1:1 cockpit mock-ups under "real-life conditions".

All control and display elements are usually designed specifically for the particular vehicle, and developed further to the optimum.

The finale.

The finale.

Exterior and interior are combined into one model. Like a puzzle, a team of experts manually assembles the individually created parts into a perfect vehicle with all characteristic features, which looks deceptively similar to the eventual production vehicles. A new star enters the stage.